Gala raises money for first responder ministry

Published 8:37 am, Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Hope for Heroes gala featured keynote speaker Sgt. Kim Munley, a first responder during the shooting at Fort Hood in 2009.

The Hope for Heroes gala featured keynote speaker Sgt. Kim Munley, a first responder during the shooting at Fort Hood in 2009.

Gala raises money for first responder ministry

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The Hope for Heroes Gala, held to benefit Emergency Ministries, raised over $75,000 this past Thursday, Nov. 13 at The Woodlands Country Club Palmer Course.

Emergency Ministries mission is to “come alongside first-responders who experience extraordinary human events daily and to offer them emotional and spiritual support services.”

One of the main services behind the ministry is providing emergency chaplains to go out with first responders from fire, EMS and police departments. The ministry serves 40 agencies, including fire, EMS and police stations, in 15 counties, with 20 in North Harris County and Needham Fire Department in Montgomery County.

The ministry began with Chaplain Skip Straus, Founder, CEO and Senior Chaplain for Emergency Ministries.

This is the second year for the Hope for Heroes Gala, and the ministry was able to raise money through sponsorships and live and silent auctions. The 220 people in attendance could bid on a beach condo stay in Destin, Fla., jewelry from Dannini and Donoho’s Jewelers, and a day in the life of a first responder — the chance to spend the day at a local firehouse. The keynote speaker was Sgt. Kim Munley, who told her story of survival and bravery as a first responder.

“Kim was one of the police SWAT officers who, despite being shot three times during the terrorist attack at Fort Hood on Nov. 5, 2009, became an American hero by engaging the shooter ten separate times —shooting him twice - thus saving countless lives,” said Straus. “She related how all the first responders worked together on that fateful day.”

To donate to Emergency Ministries, visit their website at emergencyministries.org.